CAT Exam Practice Related

Review CAT Exam Practice related questions and content

The parents of a child who had surgical repair of a myelomeningocele are being taught how to change an occlusive dressing on the child's back. Which statement by the parents indicates that they understand this procedure?

  • A. When changing the dressing, the tape should be removed slowly to prevent trauma to the skin
  • B. To prevent infection, the dressing should be kept dry to avoid excess moisture
  • C. The skin incision should be kept moist to promote healing and prevent dryness
  • D. The incision should be protected from fecal contamination by an intact dressing
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because protecting the incision from fecal contamination is essential to prevent infection and promote healing in a child with a myelomeningocele. This is crucial as fecal matter can introduce harmful bacteria to the wound. Choice A is incorrect as removing the tape slowly to prevent trauma to the skin is a general guideline but not specific to preventing infection. Choice B is incorrect because keeping the dressing dry can lead to complications as the wound needs a moist environment to heal properly. Choice C is incorrect as keeping the skin incision moist may promote infection and delay healing, making it an incorrect statement for postoperative care.